Banking
Fed’s interest rate history: The federal funds rate from 1981 to the present
13 min read
The Federal Reserve and Your Money
Interest rates are a little lower than they used to be, but they’re still near the highest levels in over a decade. Here’s what it means for your wallet.
The latest on the Fed from Bankrate’s experts
“Progress toward 2 percent inflation has stalled out, and the Fed knows it. They gave no indication in their post-meeting statement that a resumption of rate cuts is likely at the next meeting in March.”
Powell says FOMC is ‘in no hurry’ to cut again after Fed holds rates steady
The Federal Reserve decided to delay additional rate cuts for now and keep interest rates unchanged at its first meeting of the year, giving officials time to assess whether inflation is cooling and how President Donald Trump’s policies might impact the U.S. economy.
Read More
Recent interest rate trends
Every time the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, borrowing and savings rates move in lockstep. Compare Bankrate data to see how the latest Fed decision is impacting rates on key consumer products.
Mortgage rates
This week's mortgage news
Savings rates
What is the average interest rate for savings accounts?
Auto loan rates
Current car loan interest rates
HELOC rates
This week's HELOC news and analysis
Credit card rates
Current credit card interest rates
Experts in all things finance
Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.
About Bankrate
Chief Financial Analyst
Principal U.S. Economy Reporter
Senior Economic Analyst
Editor's picks
Follow us for the latest financial news:
Greg McBride, CFA
Chief financial analyst, Personal Finance
Mark Hamrick
Washington Bureau Chief, Senior Economic Analyst
Sarah Foster
Principal U.S. Economy and Federal Reserve Reporter
Latest articles
The Federal Reserve’s actions can influence student loan interest rates.
Credit card interest rates have a high mark up over the prime rate. Why are card APRs so high?
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
The Fed hit the pause button on rates. How will it affect the housing market?
The Federal Reserve just lowered interest rates for the first time in four years.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
The Federal Reserve announced that it’s holding interest rates steady following its Jan. 28-29 meeting.
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
The bottom line? Don’t let emotions guide your financial decision-making.
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
The Fed’s rate cuts might be on pause. Here’s what you should do as a consumer.
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
Consumers got a taste of rate cuts last year, It could be a while before they see them again.
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Rate cuts from the Fed usually help borrowers. They aren’t right now.
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
Consider a savings account with an APY above the inflation rate.
For savers, here’s what to consider when the Fed lowers interest rates.
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
The Fed’s rate cuts might be on pause. Here’s what you should do as a consumer.
The Federal Reserve announced that it’s holding interest rates steady following its Jan. 28-29 meeting.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information